Session Details & Resources

Simple Strategies to Strengthen Any Scene: Writing exercises to boost characters, conflict, and descriptive details.  

Presenter: Will Ritter

Level: Middle / High School

Resource: 

Information Pilgrims: Combatting Disinformation Through International Travel 

Learn how international travel and collaborative lessons with teachers of the humanities can inform how students combat disinformation. A recent trip to Norway with The Center for Geography Education in Oregon (C-GEO) inspired a new approach to teaching students about the movement of information and ideas. With the five themes of geography as your guide, come away with a new approach for resisting propaganda. God tur! 

Presenter(s):  Jenny Gapp - 

Level:  Middle / High School

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.3.A Analyze delivery formats for sharing understanding

• LIB 1.2.A: Analyze and evaluate information to draw conclusions

• LIB 1.2.F Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems

Engaging & Building Readership and Literacy in the Oregon Karen Refugee Community 

Author Nui Wilson and educator Lwe Wah Shee will discuss their decades of volunteer work with refugee families, particularly Karen refugees, in Portland, Oregon. Through the lens of her picture book, “A Tree of My Own,” Nui will share how representation of refugee communities encourages literacy and engagement across generations. Lwe Wah Shee will discuss her work as a Karen translator for the picture book and at IRCO (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization), helping families navigate health, education, and social services to support their children’s success. 

Presenter(s):  Nui Wilson, Lwe Wah Shee 

Level:  All

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

Advocacy, Transparency and Flexibility: Meeting the Needs of Your District Where it is at! 

What should you do if you don't have enough staffing or the trust of your community or the support of your administration?  Show them how YOU are their partner in literacy success for ALL students, you are the person who CAN work with what you have to work with and YOU will foster a love of reading with ALL students!

Presenter(s):  Keely Nudo 

Level:  All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards: This presentation supports all the standards through strong collection development that supports Information Literacy through all the standards and grade levels. 

Elementary Library Organization: Streamline & Simplify 

Efficient organization is essential to creating a welcoming and functional elementary school library. This approach focuses on simplifying the layout and streamlining processes to enhance accessibility and foster a positive learning environment for students. By adopting user-friendly systems—such as clear signage, easy-to-navigate book categories, and intuitive check-out procedures—libraries can minimize confusion and encourage independent use by young learners. This streamlined approach not only improves the overall library experience for students and staff, but also promotes a sustainable and adaptable library program that grows alongside the needs of the school community.

Presenter:  Darcy Rudnick 

Level:  Elementary

Resource Links: Presentation Resources

OASL Standards: 

• Learn techniques to run an efficient and predictable library class. 

• Learn techniques to organize sections of the library to foster independence in locating materials.

• Analyze a Scope & Sequence to align standards, curriculums, & classroom projects.

Language is Power: Status-Based Microaggressions & Advocacy for Oregon Teacher-Librarian Working Conditions 

Dr. McKenzie will present the findings and results of her qualitative dissertation: “Status-Based Microaggressions Experienced by Teacher-Librarians and Effective Strategies to Address Them.”

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences and working conditions of teacher-librarians in the state of Oregon, aiming to identify whether teacher-librarians experience status-based microaggressions within their learning communities, as well as document potential strategies for improved treatment of library workers.  

While many people are familiar with the term “microaggression” as it pertains to race and gender, the term “status-based” or “hierarchical” microaggressions define instances where individuals are treated differently based on their perceived status or positionality within an organization (ex. teacher-librarians may be treated differently than other instructional staff on campus).

Presenter: Jennifer McKenzie 

Level:  All

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

The Essential Role of Librarians as Informational Literacy Experts 

Modern 5-12th grade students are tasked with navigating an overwhelming amount of information online. The prevalence of misinformation on social media, coupled with students’ tendency to consume misinformation disseminated on these platforms, contributes to alarming literacy trends in U.S. schools.

This presentation highlights tools to support necessary informational literacy skills for library patrons. A librarian is already a multimedia specialist, and with the latest tools, can be a research advocate as well.

Presenter:  Marc Martorama 

Level:  Middle / High School

Resource Links:

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1A Follow an inquiry-based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1D Find, evaluate, and select appropriate resources to answer questions

• LIB 1.1E Select and use tools within sources to access content

Dewey Redo - Creating a more browsable nonfiction section 

Revitalize your nonfiction section with a good weeding and regrouping.  I've recently reorganized my own nonfiction section and would like to share the process for those who would like to do it as well.  I'll tell you about how I whittled down my sections, re-labelled by topic, and created new signage to help make the section more browsable and accessible.  Since doing so, my nonfiction circulation has increased dramatically.  Give your nonfiction section a glow-up!

Presenter: Jill Myers Dewein 

Level:  All

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.E Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions

Using Literature to Boost Empathy & SEL in the Classroom & Beyond

In these divisive,  anxiety-inducing times, how can we take action to counter negative behavior, change patterns, and bring positive light into our school communities? How do we encourage reflective thinking, inclusion, and compassion for others? Children's literature, in tandem with hands-on adult-guided activities, can be used as an effective multilayered creative learning tool for young readers in classrooms and homes to promote the healing powers of empathy, hope, and universal human connection for people from different backgrounds. Learn how stories are effective supplemental tools to introduce and address very real and difficult topics kids face in an open, inviting, and engaging way.

Presenter:  Author - Trudy Ludwig 

Level:  Elementary

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards:

• LIB 2.1.B Identify, reflect upon and respond to works which exemplify the human experience

• LIB 2.1.D Explore text to text, text to self, and text to world connections

Building Engagement with ORCA

Are you curious about ORCA (Oregon Readers' Choice Award) and want to try it out? Do you already participate in ORCA and want ideas to increase student engagement? This session will showcase routines and resources designed by and for school librarians as well as time for discussion, planning, and suggestions.

Presenter(s):  Darcy Rudnick, Ellen Pedersen 

Level:  All

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: This session will support all three standards in the reading engagement strand: develop an appreciation for reading, comprehend/interpret/evaluate text, and build reading skills and behaviors for lifelong learning. 

Diverse Books for Your Elementary Collection 

Furthering our commitment to inclusion and opening windows and doors to our diverse world, you'll leave this session with a list of potential books to add to your school library's collection.

Presenter(s):  Kate Dutro 

Level: Elementary

Resource Links:

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.2.D Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions and solve problems

• LIB 2.1.B Identify, reflect upon and respond to works which exemplify the human experience

• LIB 2.1.F Read to seek multiple diverse and inclusive perspectives

Middle Grade Book Talks 

Hear about some new Middle Grade reads and some old favorites.  I'll share books for you to share with your students - my go-tos for reluctant readers and those voracious readers who can't wait to find the next series to dig into.  

Presenter(s):  Jill Myers Dewein 

Level: Middle

Resource Links:

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.H Read, view, and listen to information in a variety of formats

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.I Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding

High School Book Talks 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed (don't know where to start?!) or stuck (already recommended all your favorites?!) with book talks, this session is for you. NEHS librarian, Amary Taylor, will lead a fun and lively interactive session with tips, tricks, and practice. You'll leave this session feeling confident in your ability to talk up any book, any time.

Presenter(s):  Amary Taylor 

Level: High School

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.H Read, view, and listen to information in a variety of formats

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.I Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding

Build Your Own Database Escape Room Using OSLIS’S Gale Resources! 

Join us for an informative workshop designed for newcomers to OSLIS’s Gale resources. Discover how Gale resources can enhance research, support curriculum development, and foster information literacy. Learn how to navigate the platforms, access a wealth of authoritative content, and utilize features such as Topic Finder and Google/Microsoft integration. This workshop will equip you to make the most of these powerful resources and help your teachers and students do the same! 

Presenter(s):  Stacey Knibloe 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.F  Select and use tools within sources to access content

• LIB 1.1.H Read, view, and listen to information in a variety of formats

• LIB 1.1.J Assess the effectiveness of questions, strategies, and processes used in research to find information

Makerspace program for Middle Schoolers 

Presenter(s):  K.C Boyd 

Level: All

Resource Links:

ORCA/OBOB & BCCCA: Engaging & Building a Community of Readers with OASL Reading Programs 

Join us for an engaging session of OASL’s 3 statewide reading incentive programs: Oregon Reader’s Choice Award (ORCA); Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award (BCCCA); & Oregon Battle Of the Books (OBOB). Ellen Pederson, ORCA (grades 3-12) Committee Chair, will share terrific tips on how your students and you can become involved. Libby Hamler-Dupras, BCCCA (grades K-5), Committee Chair  will share how to promote a wide variety of books nominated in honor of Beverly Cleary. Elaine Ferrell-Burns, OBOB (grades 3rd -12th) Board Liaison, will share pointers & resources for participation. Learn how each of these reading incentive programs encourage & recognize students, broaden reading interests and ultimately increase their love of reading. Posters & bookmarks of each program’s curated list of titles available while supplies last. 

Presenter(s):  Libby Hamler-Dupras, Ellen Pedersen, Elaine Ferrell-Burns 

Level: ALL

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards:

• LIB 2.1: Develop an appreciation of reading

• LIB 2.2: Comprehend, interpret, and evaluate informational and fictional text

• LIB 2.3: Build reading skills and behaviors for lifelong learning

Take a Tour of OSLIS:  Your Resource for Teaching Students the Research Process

Come take a tour of OSLIS!  Even if you use it regularly with your students, have never tried it, or just need a refresher, we will have resources and take-aways for you. OSLIS Committee members will be your guides through the site – including the video tutorials, ready-to-use worksheets, statewide Gale databases, and the nationally-known Citation Maker. OSLIS is a project of the Oregon Association of School Libraries in partnership with the State Library of Oregon. 

Presenter(s):  Carrie Light, Molly Sloan, Tara Perkins 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.E Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions

• LIB 1.2.C Analyze, organize, and synthesize information using a variety of tools

Law for Librarians: The Laws that Govern Borrower Privacy, the Internet, and Social Media

Intellectual freedom has always been the cornerstone of librarianship but in recent years, librarians have had to educate, advocate, and often defend the first amendment rights of their library users. At this session, the presenter will share the latest information on first amendment rights, recent case law, and first amendment legal precedence that will help you educate, advocate, and defent the rights of library users through your policies.

Presenter(s):  Heather Horner 

Level: All

Resource Links: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.F Select and use tools within sources to access content

Intellectual Freedom for Schools - laws you should know 

As schools face more and more challenges to their choice reading materials, it is more important than ever to be aware of the laws impacting access to library materials in schools.  This session goes through the intellectual freedom rights of students in schools which is pivotal to understand in today's high censorship world. 

Presenter(s):  Emily O’Neal 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards/Goals: Intellectual Freedom; First Amendment Rights of students; access to choice reading materials

From Tears to Triumph: Picture Books that Shape Emotional Growth 

Explore the transformative role of picture books in nurturing emotional intelligence across all grade levels. This dynamic book talk features stories that support students in recognizing emotions, cultivating empathy, and strengthening social connections. From engaging tales for younger children to meaningful narratives for older students, this book talk will highlight literature that resonates with diverse age groups. Attendees will gain strategies to integrate these books into their library programs, helping to foster emotionally resilient readers. 

Presenter(s):  Beth Clarke 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards/Goals:

1) Participants will evaluate picture books that effectively support the development of emotional intelligence across k-12 grade levels, aligning with OASL's focus on exploration and literature appreciation. 

2) Participants will apply strategies to incorporate emotionally resonant literature into school library programming, fostering student engagement, inquiry, and social-emotional growth in alignment with OASL's emphasis on supporting student learning and well-being.

3) Participants will reflect on the role of the school library staff in cultivating empathy and emotional resilience through literature, consistent with OASL's stand of promoting inclusive learning communities and supporting the whole child. 

Core Library Tenets through the Lens of the ALA Code of Ethics 

When was the time you read the ALA Code of Ethics? Do you recall that it covers equity, confidentiality and privacy, intellectual freedom and anti-censorship, and more? Let’s explore those core tenets of the library profession through the lens of the ALA Code of Ethics. How might those tenets shape your school library program? This session is geared towards staff with no formal library education, but all are welcome.

Presenter(s):  Jen Maurer - 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.1.C Develop, select, clarify, and use questions to search for information

• LIB 1.2.B Analyze and evaluate information to make informed decisions

• LIB 1.2.G Reach and defend informed conclusions based on best evidence

Stark Raving OYAN: the best comics and manga of 2025 

Ever wonder which of the 50 new manga titles to add to your school library? Do you know what new Young Adult novels have been turned into a graphic novel? Are there any superhero titles meant for teens anymore? Learn which titles published over the past year were selected by teen services librarians for OYAN's 2025 Graphic Rave list.

Presenter(s):  Mark Richardson 

Level: All

Resource Links:

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 2.1.A Read, listen to, and view a variety of genres and formats

• LIB 2.1.F Read to seek multiple diverse and inclusive perspectives

• LIB 2.3.B Contribute to a reading and learning community

• LIB 2.3.C Self-select reading materials from a variety of genres and formats